Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 Review

Out of the Box: Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696

For those delving into the world of handgun reloading, especially for classic cartridges, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 Carbide 3 Die Set offers a compelling entry point. As an experienced hand in various environments, from dusty workshops to controlled labs, I’ve always appreciated tools that simplify complex processes. This particular die set promises to streamline the reloading of the .32 Smith & Wesson Long cartridge, a caliber often found in older revolvers that still see regular use. My journey to this specific set was driven by a desire for reliable, no-fuss equipment that wouldn’t break the bank, especially when tackling less common calibers.

What initially drew me to this offering from Lee was the combination of carbide sizing and a three-die setup. Many basic sets for straight-walled cases often come as a two-die set, but the inclusion of a dedicated seating die with a built-in crimp is a significant advantage. This promised a more complete and refined process right out of the box, minimizing the need for additional tools or steps. In a world where reloading components can sometimes feel overwhelming, a well-thought-out, integrated set like this is a breath of fresh air.

Upon receiving the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696, my first impressions were centered on its functional design. The carbide sizing die, a hallmark of modern reloading dies, immediately signaled its potential for ease of use without requiring case lubrication. The other two dies, while steel, were clearly manufactured to Lee’s established standards, presenting a no-nonsense, utilitarian appearance. There was a satisfying heft to them, hinting at durability without being overly cumbersome.

Before settling on this Lee set, I’d briefly considered other brands that offer similar carbide die sets for handgun cartridges. However, the specific caliber (.32 S&W Long) and the attractive price point of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 ultimately tipped the scales. It represented a practical solution for an immediate need, offering the essential components without unnecessary frills. My excitement was tempered with a seasoned realist’s caution, eager to see if its practical performance matched its promising specifications.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of this die set took place at my reloading bench, a familiar space that has seen countless rounds processed. The target caliber, .32 S&W Long, is known for its straight-walled cases, making it an ideal candidate for carbide dies. I had a batch of spent brass that needed resizing and preparing for their next life.

The process was straightforward, as anticipated for a Lee die set. The carbide sizer performed admirably, smoothly resizing each case without any need for lubrication, a testament to its carbide construction. I then moved to the powder-through expanding die, which integrated perfectly with my Lee Auto-Disk powder measure, allowing for consistent powder charging directly into the expanded case mouth. Finally, the seating die with its built-in crimp finished the job, seating the bullet to the correct depth and applying a light, firm crimp.

Conditions were typical for my indoor reloading bench: consistent temperature and a clean environment. I tested the dies across about 50 cases initially, and they performed without a hitch. There were no catches, no excessive force required, and each step felt deliberate and controlled.

Ease of use was definitely a strong suit here. Having used steel dies that require lubrication, the carbide sizing die was a welcome relief, significantly speeding up the resizing process and reducing mess. The integrated crimp in the seating die also streamlined the operation, consolidating two steps into one.

My only minor surprise was the slight learning curve in setting the precise depth for the seating die. While intuitive, achieving the exact desired bullet seating depth on the first few tries required a bit of fine-tuning. This is common with most seating dies, however, and quickly resolved with minor adjustments.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and processing well over 200 rounds of .32 S&W Long with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696, its reliability has become evident. The dies continue to perform consistently, resizing cases accurately and seating bullets with dependable precision. My reloading process has become noticeably more efficient thanks to the integrated nature of this set.

Durability has been excellent so far. The carbide sizing die shows no signs of wear, and the steel seating and expanding dies remain free of corrosion or galling, even with regular use. I haven’t experienced any issues with stiffness or performance degradation, which speaks well to their robust construction.

Maintenance for this set is minimal, which is ideal for any reloader. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after use is usually sufficient. I ensure that no powder residue or debris is left within the die bodies. Storing them in their original packaging or a dedicated die box keeps them protected and organized.

Compared to some of the more budget-friendly two-die sets I’ve used in the past, this Lee three-die set truly offers a more complete and satisfying reloading experience. The addition of the carbide sizer alone elevates it above many basic steel die offerings. It’s not a premium, highly specialized set, but for its intended purpose and price point, it offers exceptional value and performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 is a Carbide 3 Die Set w/Shellholder For 32 Smith & Wesson Long. This means it includes three distinct dies designed for this specific caliber, along with the corresponding shellholder necessary for operation. The set features a carbide sizer die, which is a key component for efficiently resizing fired cases.

It also includes a powder-through expanding die, designed to both expand the case mouth and serve as a funnel for powder delivery, compatible with Lee’s Auto Disk powder measures or manual pouring. The third die is a seater die with a built-in crimp, allowing for precise bullet seating and a final crimp to secure the bullet in place. The inclusion of a shellholder is a thoughtful addition, ensuring you have all the core components needed to begin reloading.

The caliber specification of .32 S&W Long is critical; these dies are precisely engineered for cases of this dimension. The carbide sizing die significantly reduces friction and eliminates the need for case lubrication, a major advantage for straight-walled cases like those in the .32 S&W Long. This results in faster reloading cycles and a cleaner workspace.

The steel construction of the powder-through expander and seater/crimp dies is typical for this level of reloading equipment and offers good durability. For straight-walled handgun cartridges, steel dies are perfectly adequate, and combined with the carbide sizer, this set provides a robust solution. The gun type specified is Revolver, which aligns perfectly with the common firearms chambered in .32 S&W Long.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 is to process spent .32 S&W Long cases and prepare them for reloading, culminating in a safely and accurately seated and crimped round. In this regard, the set performs exceptionally well. The carbide sizer reliably brings cases back to their correct dimensions, ensuring proper chambering.

The expanding die consistently creates a suitable case mouth opening for bullet insertion, and the integrated seater/crimer effectively seats bullets to the desired depth while applying a firm crimp. This crimp is crucial for preventing bullet set-back during recoil in revolvers. The synergy between the three dies minimizes runout and ensures a consistent final product.

A significant strength is the overall efficiency this three-die set offers. By combining expansion and powder charging in one die, and seating and crimping in another, it streamlines the reloading process considerably. The main weakness, if one can call it that, is inherent to any die set: the need for accurate initial setup. However, once dialed in, performance is very consistent.

Considering its price point, this die set not only meets but often exceeds expectations for many reloaders. It provides a comprehensive solution for a specific caliber, allowing for the production of accurate and reliable ammunition suitable for target shooting or general use. The performance is solid and dependable, making it a great choice for those new to reloading this caliber or experienced hands looking for an economical set.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 is fundamentally practical and user-focused. The prominent feature is the carbide sizing die, which is easily identifiable and offers a smooth, low-friction operation. The dies themselves are threaded to fit standard reloading presses, and their height is typical for this type of equipment.

Ergonomically, once threaded into a press, the dies are easy to adjust. The lock rings provided with the dies ensure that settings are maintained once you find the sweet spot. The knurling on the dies provides adequate grip for adjustments, though fine-tuning is usually done with the press handle.

The markings on the dies are clear, indicating their function (Sizer, Expander, Seater). The built-in crimp feature on the seater die is a smart design choice, simplifying the process. While not flashy, the overall build quality feels sturdy and capable of withstanding repeated use. There are no uncomfortable edges or awkward shapes to contend with during the reloading process itself.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience and the materials used, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 is built for longevity, especially the carbide sizer. Carbide is incredibly hard and resistant to wear, meaning this die should last for thousands upon thousands of cases without significant degradation. The steel dies are also durable, provided they are maintained properly.

Maintenance is straightforward: a light oiling of the steel dies and threads periodically, and ensuring they are kept clean and dry will prevent rust. After each reloading session, a quick wipe down is usually sufficient to keep them in pristine condition. I have not encountered any specific failure points in this type of Lee die set; they are designed for robust, repeatable use.

Potential concerns might arise if the dies are cross-threaded into the press or if excessive force is applied, but this is true for any reloading die. With proper care and adherence to basic reloading procedures, these dies are expected to serve a reloader reliably for many years. They represent a sound investment in the long term for anyone regularly reloading .32 S&W Long.

Accessories and Customization Options

This specific product is a 3 Die Set w/Shellholder, meaning the shellholder is included as a complementary accessory. The dies themselves are not typically customized in the traditional sense of swapping parts, as they are precisely machined for the caliber. However, their compatibility with standard reloading presses is a key aspect.

The inclusion of the shellholder is a convenient addition, as it’s a necessary component for many reloading presses. Users might consider purchasing additional shellholders if they have multiple presses or prefer dedicated ones for different calibers. Beyond that, the primary “customization” would involve using Lee’s own powder measures, like the Auto Disk, which integrate seamlessly with the powder-through expander die.

While there aren’t swappable components within the dies themselves, Lee does offer other reloading accessories like case feeders or bullet feeders that can further enhance the efficiency of a reloading setup using these dies. However, the core functionality of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 is complete with what is provided in the set.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696?

This Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 die set is ideal for handloaders who specifically want to reload the .32 S&W Long cartridge. It’s particularly well-suited for those with older revolvers chambered in this caliber who are looking to produce their own ammunition economically. New reloaders entering this caliber will find the ease of use, especially with the carbide sizer, very forgiving and efficient.

Experienced reloaders looking for a reliable and cost-effective solution for this specific caliber will also appreciate its performance. It’s a great option for anyone who values practicality and efficiency without needing the absolute latest in high-end reloading technology. If you primarily reload for revolvers and are familiar with basic press operation, this set is a strong contender.

However, those who require reloading dies for bottle-necked cartridges or for calibers that cannot be easily sized with carbide might need to look elsewhere. If your absolute priority is a full carbide set for all three stages, this set, while excellent, only features carbide for the sizing die. For consistent, high-volume reloading of numerous pistol calibers, one might invest in dedicated sets for each, but for a single, specific caliber like the .32 S&W Long, this is a superb choice.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696 Carbide 3 Die Set for .32 S&W Long is a testament to Lee Precision’s ability to deliver effective, no-nonsense reloading tools at an accessible price. It provides a complete solution for handloaders looking to get into or expand their reloading capabilities for this classic revolver cartridge. The inclusion of a carbide sizer is a significant advantage, simplifying the reloading process and reducing mess.

The integrated approach of the powder-through expander and the seater die with a built-in crimp further streamlines operations, making it efficient for both new and experienced reloaders. While it doesn’t feature carbide for every single die, the performance and durability offered for its price are outstanding. It’s a tool that gets the job done reliably, producing accurate and safe ammunition.

For anyone aiming to reload the .32 S&W Long caliber, especially those prioritizing value and efficiency, I wholeheartedly recommend the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90696. It’s a well-made, functional set that punches well above its weight class, making it a wise investment for your reloading bench.